FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE:  March 1, 2023

CONTACT:     Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers responded to South Salem High School today just before noon on the report of a threat against the campus.

A social media user called police to report a student who sent a video message to them through the platform. The caller was concerned because the video showed the student claiming to be at the high school with a gun. Working with Salem-Keizer Public Schools staff, officers were able to identify and locate the student, age 17.

As officers approached, the student fled from the school. He was subsequently apprehended without incident at a vehicle. The teen was found in possession of a knife. Detectives responded to the scene and a warrant to search the vehicle, and a backpack the juvenile carried, was attained, allowing officers to search the contents of each. A loaded firearm was located.

“Our patrol officers did a great job today, swiftly acting against and abating a threat before any tragedy could possibly occur,” said Deputy Chief Jake Burke. “We’d also like to thank Salem-Keizer Schools staff who greatly assisted us with the situation.”

The juvenile was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on the following charges:

• Possession of a weapon in a public building, two counts
• Illegal possession of a weapon, firearm
• Carrying a concealed weapon, knife

The Salem Police Department does not identify minors involved in criminal investigations. The case remains under investigation, and as such, no further information is being released.

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